April 1, 2013

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city
and told the chief priests all that had happened.
The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel;
then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
telling them, “You are to say,
‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’
And if this gets to the ears of the governor,
we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

Reflection (Sem. Ivan Feniquito)

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the significance of the empty tomb. The tomb signifies our state of death due to our sins. But Jesus has died for us so that we may be saved from eternal damnation due to our sins. Jesus invites us to repent and turn away from our sins.

There are many sins in the world. Some of it we commit such as pride, covetousness, gluttony and lust. Though He is sinless, Christ has embraced our sinful condition through his crucifixion, death, and burial. Yet, He does not remain in the tomb because He has risen again from the dead. Thus, the empty tomb manifests Christ’s victory over sin and death. The empty tomb means that the Risen Jesus emptied our life of pride, selfishness, vices, and other sinful acts.

The Risen Lord invites us to a new life. As Christ forgives our sins, He gives us a chance to renew our lives, to avoid sinful acts, and spread the forgiveness and love of the Lord. Alleluia is not said during Lenten season. But since yesterday, we sing it with great enthusiasm in this Easter season. Let us rejoice and be glad, and thank the Lord for His great Love for us.

The Gospel challenges to become true witnesses of God’s mercy, compassion and love. The disciples of Jesus have proclaimed the Great News that Jesus has risen. With this, we are invited to continue preaching and proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord by doing acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness to our neighbors, especially those people who have sinned against us. Forgiveness, peace, and love have been given to us. Let us share these gifts to others and be disciples of Jesus.